Operation Double Down intercepts fentanyl, other drugs smuggled into Arizona

PHOENIX – Illegal drugs, weapons and more were seized last year during a multi-agency Arizona drug and money laundering investigation called Operation Double Down, authorities announced Thursday.

In addition, 25 arrest warrants were issued by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. Authorities said the indictments and arrests are still pending.

The Conspiracy Squad of the Phoenix Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Bureau worked with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Financial Investigations Group and other agencies to conduct Operation Double Down between April and November of 2024.

Authorities began investing after discovering a multinational drug organization that worked out of the United States and Mexico. The group allegedly transported cars full of drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border to Phoenix every week or two.

The group then laundered money in an attempt to hide their drug smuggling proceeds, authorities said.

Detectives identified the individuals involved in the organized group and later passed off the cases to state prosecutors for handling.

What was seized during Operation Double Down?

Authorities seized the following contraband during Operation Double Down:

• Approximately 1,700,000 suspected fentanyl pills.
• More than 57 pounds of fentanyl powder.
• More than 52 pounds of cocaine.
• 370.2 pounds of methamphetamine.
• 13 pounds of heroin.
• Almost $210,000 in cash.
• 14 vehicles.
• 28 firearms.

The DEA Phoenix Division, Phoenix Phoenix Police Department and state and local agencies in central and southern Arizona helped execute Operation Double Down, along with authorities in Colorado and New Mexico.

“The outcome of this operation is impressive and a testament to the partnerships between local and federal police agencies and prosecutors in this community. We are stronger when we work together and our community is safer as a result,” interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan said in a press release.

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